OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
EMILY WILSON HUSSEM
Emily Wilson Hussem is a speaker, author, wife, and mother who shares her witness of faith at conferences and events across the globe.
She shares on the topics of femininity, faith, dating, motherhood, and relationships, and her books, videos, and talks continue to inspire and encourage women of all ages.
Emily lives in Southern California with her husband, Daniël, and their three glorious children, Zion, Jedediah, and Pearl.
HEATHER KHYM
Heather Khym is a Catholic speaker, author, and ministry leader with more than three decades of experience accompanying people toward healing, renewal, and authentic discipleship. She studied theology and catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she now serves as Assistant Director of Evangelization.
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She is the co-host of the Abiding Together podcast and the author of Abide: A Pathway to Transformative Healing and Intimacy in Jesus and the award-winning Encountering Emmanuel: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation.
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Alongside her husband, Jake, she co-founded Life Restoration Ministries, where she serves as Director of Vision and Ministry. She also serves as co-Executive Director of the Celtic Cross Foundation, advocating for the underprivileged. Known for her pastoral presence, Heather invites others to open their lives more fully to the work of the Holy Spirit and the transforming love of God. She lives in Steubenville, Ohio, with her husband and their three young adult children.
Sr. Zion Joy
SUSAN DESIMONE
MUSIC
Sr. Zion Joy, SV, was raised in the great state of Oklahoma and graduated from the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in contemporary vocal performance. Following the faithfulness of God, Sr. Zion lived and served around the world in various missions, including Wisconsin, France, and Israel, before entering the Sisters of Life in 2019 and professing first vows on June 25, 2022. After serving mothers and their unborn children in the NYC Visitation Crisis Pregnancy Mission for several years, Sr. Zion currently resides in Denver, blessed to serve in the Evangelization Mission for the Sisters of Life, proclaiming to the ends of the earth what she herself has been convicted of - that every life is good, and is here for a purpose, created in and through the intentional love of God the Father.
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For more information, visit the Sisters of Life:
Susan DeSimone is a board-certified music therapist with a degree in music therapy from the University of Kansas.
Her strong foundation of faith and zeal to glorify the Lord through the gift of music gives her a sense of purpose beyond herself. She has served as a choir member, cantor, oboist, pianist and guitarist for Mass, Adoration, sacramental retreats, parish events, funerals and weddings.
In collaboration with musician Brother Gabriel Cortes, Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate, Susan had the privilege to compose music and sing his original songs on the album “Christmas Carols from the Hearth” as well as the single, “Abide in Me.”
Having experienced the uplifting and healing power of music, Susan’s mission is to be an instrument for God’s unwavering and forgiving love to reach the minds and hearts of those seeking peace, hope, joy and a deeper spiritual connection with God and others.
She encourages the use of music that praises and glorifies God in daily prayer and reflection to draw closer to the heart of God, trusting in His goodness and deep love when facing life’s difficult challenges and when feeling joyful.
Susan resides in Texas with her husband, Anthony, and their new baby daughter, who adds immense joy to their life.
“For thou has been my help and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.” Ps 63:7
“But let all who take refuge in thee rejoice, let them ever sing for joy…” Ps 5:11